Lady Artz: Hey everyone and welcome back to my Final Fantasy XII story called Dawn of Twilight! Yes, Yes, I am indeed updating again. Honestly, I have no clue where this sudden obsession to update this story is coming from, but it is working out very well for all of you.

Much love and over flowing gratitude to all those that have faved, followed and reviewed this story and all of my many other ones as well. You guys and ladies are the greatest and I truly appreciate all of your support!


Special Shout Out for Just 2 Dream of You! This individual is the one who thought up the name Vhee and happens to be quite the authoress herself, so good read some of her work and see the brilliance that is Vhee!


Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy XII or anything related to the Final Fantasy franchise. I also do not own anything I make references to; mainly Doctor Who, Starcraft, a lot of anime, and some movies and games. They belong to their respective owners and rightly so. I only own my OCs, Artz and Benedict, and the insane amount of chaos that follows them in their wake.

Now on with the show!


Chapter Six: Vhee


The crimson haired woman known as Artimes Blaine was currently wandering about the busy streets of the Imperial City of Archades, capital of the Archadian Empire. Her friend and escort, Benedict Strathem, captain and leader of the Dalmascan contingent stationed at Nalbina Fortress, and herself had gotten separated almost immediately upon arriving in the city.

How did such a thing come to pass and so quickly as well? Simple really. Artimes had been living in Nalbina for almost a year since Benedict had found her unconscious in the Mosphoran Highwaste after some kind of Mist storm. During that time, she had tried her best to be useful, make friends, and generally try to keep herself from being bored.

Unfortunately, she began to get rather restless and very lonely. Her friends, Benedict and Basch, were always so busy with their duties as Knights of Dalmasca and she had pretty much pushed her limit with how much Vossler tolerated her. Any further and she was sure that he would run her through with his sword.

After a while, Captain Strathem became aware of her predicament and requested a temporary leave of absence from King Raminas, who had agreed whole heartedly having met the girl himself and knowing how quickly she lost interest in things. Benedict then came to her and told her to pick any place in Ivalice that she wanted to go and he would take her there himself.

In her most recent raid on the fortress library, she had discovered several books pertaining to the architecture of Archades. She had become completely enthralled by the complexity and intricacy of several Archadian designs, so that was the place she chose to go…the Imperial City of Archades…and she was a complete and total idiot for doing so.

The streets of Archades proper were so crowded and noisy. She could barely think with the countless people talking around. Not to mention the obscenely loud information brokers that seemed to be everywhere she turned. A man rushed past her, knocking her to side and onto the ground.

"Peasant scum." He spat spitting on the ground in front of her before walking away with an arrogant stride.

Did she really seem like a peasant? Benedict had convinced her to wear a dress for this trip. It was floor length with a v neck. The straps connected behind her neck and were a deep red. The main body was black that was lined with red with a second layer underneath forming an upside down v near the bottom of the dress. The under layer was also a deep red and could be seen below the black.

Her silver chain necklace with a blue police box as its charm hung perfectly right above the valley of her breasts. Her hair was even done up nicely with her bangs framing in her face in soft curls. So how exactly did she look like a peasant again? She thought she looked pretty damn awesome considering she was rarely out of pants and the light armor Benedict had given her shortly after arriving in Nalbina.

"Are you alright, my lady?" A deep sensuous voice asked making her blush slightly.

She raised herself, tilting her head to look at the person that had spoken to her so kindly. Sapphire blue eyes connected with eyes that were as deep and blue as the ocean. The face to which the eyes belonged was rather handsome and he had dark hair. She couldn't tell if it was a really dark brown or black, but either way, the man in front of her was gorgeous.

He reached out to her with his right hand, a soft smile on his face and a kind look in his ocean blue eyes. She reached up hesitantly with her right hand and slid her hand into his. He brought her gently to her feet and held her hand until she regained her balance.

"I'm fine." She answered finally, suddenly remembering that he asked her a question.

She dusted off her dress with an irritated frown. Basch had bought this dress for her and the stupid jerk that had run into her had gotten it dirty. The nerve of some people.

"May I ask your name, beautiful maiden?" The man asked regaining her attention, only to make her blush again from the compliment.

"My name is Artz. What's yours?" She asked trying to make her blush go away.

"You may call me Vhee." He introduced retaking her right hand and kissing the back of it.

Instead of being flattered like most women would be, she was actually a bit creeped out. She wasn't one for physical contact as a general rule, mainly because of her mild autism and the lack of physical affection she had received when she was kid. She expertly withdrew her hand and took a step back from him.

"I apologize. Perhaps that was too forward of me. Forgive me." Vhee apologized seeming truly upset…at least with his eyes.

"It's fine. I'm simply not used to such displays and it caught me off guard." She replied feeling kind of bad for making him feel guilty.

"I see. May I ask where you were going? I would like very much to escort you there, Lady Artz." He asked giving her a warm smile.

She chuckled nervously before looking down at the ground in a sheepish manner.

"I've actually only just arrived in Archades and I've gotten myself lost. I was looking for my escort when I was so rudely shoved to the ground." She answered continuing to stare at the bricks beneath her feet.

She was surprised when his left hand came under her chin and tilted her head upwards. Once again, their eyes met and she was completely enraptured by his ocean blue eyes.

"I will assist you in finding your companion and make certain that no other harm befalls you, Lady Artz." He replied sincerity and honesty shining his eyes like cresting waves.

"Um…that's not necessary. I don't want to keep you from whatever business you were attending to." She responded trying to remember how to breathe.

Of all the times to be physically attracted to someone, it really had to be now? Her heart was racing, her mind was addled, and her cheeks burned. Geez, the last time she had felt like this, it had been when she had first met Benedict in the Mosphoran Highwaste.

"There are no urgent matters for me to attend to, so please, allow me to at least give you a tour of the city whilst we search for your companion." He suggested not giving up in the slightest.

She stepped back, took a breath, and cleared her throat. She then gave him a pointed look as she crossed her arms.

"Only if you tone down the flattery and the charm. A lady can only handle so much of that at a time and I'm fast approaching my limit, so unless you want to carry the dead weight of an unconscious woman then speak to me as you would a friend." She stated finally gaining control of her body's responses and getting back to her sassy and independent self.

Vhee stared at her moment before a genuine smile broke onto face, followed by a round of deep laughter that made her smile. Once he had stopped, he looked over at her, his ocean blue eyes filled with genuine and sincere warmth.

"Very well, my lady, and may I say that you are unlike any woman I have ever met." He replied his smile still firmly in place.

She walked back over to him and gave him a mischievous smirk.

"You'll find, my dear Vhee, that I am very different from those around me and I doubt you will ever find anyone that comes close in comparison. I am simply that unique." She responded a playful look in her eyes.

"I believe you may be right." He stated offering her his right arm to hold.

She looped her left arm with his right and placed her right hand just below her left. The pair then walked out of the small alleyway and onto the main thoroughfare. Vhee pointed to many buildings while they walked, explaining what they were for, how they were built, and even how to get to them. Artimes listened with rapt attention, her eyes full of curiosity and wonder.

"Lady Artz, where do you hail from?" Vhee asked as they descended a flight of stairs.

"Dalmasca. I came to Archades because of my recent fascination with Archadian architecture. Ben took time off just to bring me here. He said to pick a place anywhere in Ivalice and that he would take me there. I chose Archades." She answered watching her feet as they descended.

Even though the heels were not that pronounced with these particular pair of shoes, she was still a bit of klutz. She had lost count of how many times Benedict and Basch had laughed when she tried to wear heels. At least the blonde haired knight had the decency to keep his laughter to a soft chuckle, but not Ben, oh no. He full out laughed…the jerk, but she really liked it when he laughed.

If the idiot wasn't so serious all the time and the epitome of stoicism, then she wouldn't do such silly and outrageous things just to get him to smile and laugh like a normal person. At least, Basch had a sense of humor…Vossler, not so much.

"I am glad that you did. Otherwise we would not have met." Her dark haired companion replied snapping her out of the memories of her two favorite knights and the easiest target known to mankind.

Vossler really did make it too easy to get under his skin. He was surprisingly short tempered and just a touch too rash, but he did know the value of patience. Otherwise she would be dead a thousand times over by now with how much she pestered him on a daily basis.

"So what exactly is it that you do here in Archades? If you don't mind me asking, that is." She asked before suddenly remembering her manners.

"I'm an elected official, a small one right now, but I hope to climb through the ranks and make it to a position of power and influence." Vhee answered without hesitation.

"Have your eyes set on being emperor, eh?" She countered a slight smirk on her face.

"If necessary then yes." The dark haired man replied honestly.

"But why? After all, journeying through the labyrinth that is politics is incredibly dangerous…not only to you, but to those close to you. The political arena can be quite devastating to those that do not have the resolve to endure its many trials and if you're not careful, Vhee, it will destroy you, so why risk so much? Is power and influence really that important to you because if it is then I have seriously misjudged you." She responded giving him a concerned look.

The dark haired man noticed her uneasiness but also the worry she held for his well being.

"It is not power that I want, but the ability to effect change. I seek to foster peace with other countries like Dalmasca and Nabradia, but also wish to form alliances with them and with the Rozarrian Empire as well. I wish to end the need for war if but for a short time and protect the people of Ivalice from the sorrow and pain that war brings. To do that, I need the power and influence to effect changes on a much grander scale than I can now." He explained his sincerity, honesty, and passion coming through quite clearly.

She blinked, having not expected such noble and well rather naïve ideals. Then again, who was she to judge? She was just as idealistic as he was, maybe even more so. She really hadn't expected to cross paths with someone that shared such similar ideals as her own and she was rather happy that she had. It was such a pleasant surprise that there were others that felt the same way she did.

"Quite ambitious and idealistic as well. I agree with fostering peace between nations but I also understand that there are two sides to the human condition. The light side holds such ideals as honor, valor, nobility, equality, kindness, and understanding in high regards; however, there is a darker side to humanity, one that lusts for the thrill of combat and covets that in which they do not have.

This is not solely unique to humans either. It also resides in other species as well like the Bangaa, the Viera, and even the moogles share in this duplicitous nature. For you see, life is a balance of darkness and light. You cannot have one without the other and from own my personal experience; the greater the light, the deeper the darkness.

I ask that you tread carefully as you seek to attain your goals, but do not let the darkness that sleeps within your own heart to consume the light that shines so brightly. I have faith that you can change the world, Vhee, but it is up to you to decide whether or not the ends justify the means." She stated showing a wisdom that was beyond her years.

Her dark haired companion stopped walking and stared at her, his eyes full of wonder and awe. She blushed prettily, realizing that she had let her mouth run away with her again. Basch told her time and again that she had a tendency to go off into inspirational speeches and it looked like she had just done it again.

"You are very wise, my lady. I am truly fortunate to have met you." Vhee replied the look in his ocean blue eyes making her knees go weak.

She quickly looked away to regain her composure.

"I'm sorry. I've let my mouth run away with me again. Forgive me." She apologized thoroughly embarrassed.

"There is nothing to forgive, my lady, for I truly enjoy listening to every word you speak." He replied making her cheeks burn even brighter.

Oh boy, her heart was racing like a runaway train with no brakes. She mentally scolded herself for being so bluntly honest and for her lack of control in regards to his charm.

"I thought I told you to tone down the flattery, Vhee." She chastised playfully, trying to steer the conversation in another direction.

"It is not flattery, Lady Artz. It is the truth and nothing more." He replied giving her a warm smile.

Oh crap, if she spent much more time with this man, she was quite certain that she was going to fall in love and hard too, but then again, she didn't really know much about romantic love, having never experienced it before. She did understand intense attraction… that was something she did have some experience with. She believed the term was infatuation. Yeah, that was it. She was becoming infatuated with the rather handsome and charming Vhee.

Her stomach chose that moment to growl very loudly. Her hands flew to her stomach and she blushed six shades of scarlet in embarrassment. Benedict had promised to buy her breakfast once they arrived in Archades, but they had gotten separated before that had occurred. It was now a little past lunch time and she was absolutely starving.

Vhee chuckled softly and offered her his arm once more. He then guided her to a local café and bought her lunch, to which she had protested greatly. She didn't like it when people spent money on her. She had scolded Basch for almost three hours when he had bought the dress she was now wearing, but he simply smiled and said that it was what friends did.

He also commented on how she was always looking after him, Benedict, the knights and other soldiers stationed at the fortress, along with all citizens and merchants. He wanted to show his appreciation and gratitude for all that she did for them which she honestly thought wasn't much.

Seriously…she only made certain that they ate properly, got plenty of rest, that they didn't over exert themselves while training, tended to their injuries when they got hurt, smoothed out relations between the citizens and the soldiers, and made certain that all the merchants were happy.

She frowned internally. Okay, maybe she did more than what was classified as not much, but she was just trying to help. In her mind, that wasn't just cause for buying something as expensive as this dress and the heels that went with it.

To be honest, Basch was always buying her things, but it was Benedict that really earned her favor. He always brought her small little trinkets, tiny things that didn't cost much gil and recently he had started making things for her or carving her little figurines. Every gift he had given her had been from the heart and he had put serious thought into each and every little thing.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Vhee waved off her protests about buying her lunch. He said it was his duty as a gentleman to see to her needs while she was in his care, but she had a feeling that he was only saying that to cover up the fact that he really just wanted to spend money on her. That was Men's Behavior 101. The man always felt obligated to take care of the woman that held his interest whether that be defending her honor, financially supporting her, protecting her from evil, or in her case, prevent her from collapsing from hunger.

She simply sighed and allowed him to do as he wished, seeing as she was near ravenous at this point. She was lucky that Vhee was considerate enough to buy normal food, not that fancy crap that cost an arm, two legs, and probably her first born child. She hated fancy foods with a passion. She was a woman who enjoyed the simple things in life like a well made PB&J sandwich.

The pair ate their meal with quite a bit of conversation involved. Vhee asked her about her life in Dalmasca, about her friends, what she did, but when he hit the question about her family, she stopped talking altogether and stopped eating as well.

"Lady Artz, if I have offended you any way, I humbly apologize." He stated sincerely.

"It's not your fault. Last year, I lost my family; mother, father, grandmother, elder brother, and my two nephews. It was rather sudden and there was nothing I could do. It's been a year and it still hurts to think about them." She replied blinking rapidly to avoid the onslaught of tears that wanted to pour from her eyes.

"I'm sorry." He said softly and he meant it.

She could hear it in his voice. This was a man that understood the pain of losing someone dear to them, maybe even multiple someones. He was a kindred spirit in that regards though their situations were drastically different. She was torn away from all she knew by the Mist and there was no way for her to return home.

She often wondered if it would have been easier if they had died. She could have grieved and eventually moved on, but they were still alive in a parallel world, living their lives. She would never see when her nephews learned how to walk, she would never see their first days of school, she would never see her brother air guitaring to Pandora, she would never see her mother's smile again or taste her grandmother's cooking. So many moments that she was going to miss and it tore up her heart in ways she never thought possible.

It took her a few moments to realize that she was actually crying and so publically at that. She immediately stood up from her seat and fled from the café, wanting nothing more than to get away from all the people staring at her. She cut down a small path and would have continued running had someone not caught her arm and yanked her gently to a halt.

She looked back to see that it was Vhee that had grabbed her, his ocean blue eyes echoing her sorrow and pain. He pulled her gently to him and wrapped his arms around her, hiding her face from view so no one could see her tears. She took solace in his presence, something she had only done with Benedict and Basch, and just let the tears flow, knowing that she needed to let them go.

Once the tears had finally stopped, she backed away from her dark haired companion, rubbing her eyes free of any lingering tears. She then gave him an apologetic smile.

"Sorry. We were having such a lovely time and I ruined it." She stated feeling rather tired.

Crying took a lot of energy and now she just wanted to put up her feet somewhere and take a nap. Vhee placed his hand on her shoulder, making her look up at him.

"You did not ruin anything, Lady Artz. There is no shame in expressing grief or sorrow. It speaks to your character and your power of will that you even have the strength to smile, to laugh when you have been wounded so deeply. I wish I possessed the same purity of spirit as you do, the same strength of your soul." He commented making tears prickle at her eyes again.

"Keep talking like that and I'll end up crying again, so come on, show me more of this magnificent city that you call home." She replied smiling warmly at him.

He nodded to her request and the pair continued their journey through the city, stopping at several of the shops to let the ginger haired woman look through the wares. Quite commonly she would ask the shopkeeper about the history of a particular item which often times stumped the poor things. Not many people, if any, asked questions like that, but it certainly did get many a chuckle out of her dark haired companion.

They passed by a flower shop and her dark haired companion came to a stop.

"What is your favorite flower, Lady Artz?" He asked turning from the assortment of flowers to look at her.

"Um…I'm not really sure. There are just so many varieties and I don't know even half of their names, but I am partial to the color blue, particularly a deep blue…like your eyes for instance." She answered before blushing brightly as she realized what she had just said.

Vhee gave her a warm smile, his ocean blue eyes sparkling with mirth and amusement. She quickly turned and walked away, embarrassed by her complete honesty. Her dark haired companion quickly rejoined her and then stepped in front of her.

"Close your eyes…please." He requested and she did as she was told.

She stiffened when she felt him slide something into her hair, his hand lingering a moment longer than what could be deemed as appropriate. She opened her eyes as he retracted his hand. She reached up to touch whatever it was he had placed there and she felt the silky, almost velvety, petals of a flower. She immediately looked around for a reflective surface.

She spotted a fountain nearby and quickly made her way to it. She looked into the rippling water of the fountain and saw a beautiful, royal blue flower in her hair. It looked like a cross between a rose and a carnation. Don't ask her how that combination worked, but it did. She straightened up from her bent position to look at her dark haired companion that had followed her over to the fountain.

She blushed deeply at the look in his eyes. There was some strong emotion that she couldn't begin to identify, swirling in his ocean blue eyes…almost like a storm. Whatever that emotion was, it made her heart pound harshly in her chest, but it didn't feel like a bad thing. In fact, it felt right, really right.

"Lady Artz, may I kiss you?" He asked politely though his tone had dropped an octave and was slightly husky.

She had no clue how to respond to that, because in all honesty, this kind of situation had never once entered her mind. It wasn't even on her list of possible probabilities, but for some inexplicable reason, she founding herself nodding her permission. Vhee leaned down, seeing as he was about a foot taller than her, and gently pressed his lips to hers. The feeling that ricocheted through her body made it feel like she had just been struck by lightning.

His arms slid around her waist, bringing her closer, and she found herself opening her mouth. He took that invitation and began to explore the inside of her mouth with his tongue. Heat began to coil in her stomach tightly and she felt like she was going to explode at any moment. She had never felt such sensations before and it frightened her, but also intrigued her. Her curiosity was beginning to win out over her fear as her hands slipped up his chest and up into his hair, forcing him to deepen the kiss.

Her rational mind clicked into place when she heard a very familiar voice call out her name.

"Artz! Artz, where are you?!" The deep baritone shouted in the distance.

Her eyes snapped open and she quickly backed away, trying to catch her breath. Her lips were still tingling from that kiss and her body felt so hot. She looked over at Vhee who was also catching his breath. She smiled at him and he smiled in return.

"Looks like I have to go." She stated slightly put out that she had couldn't sate her curiosity any further.

"Will I ever see you again?" He asked desperation filtering into his voice slightly.

"Count on it." She answered with confidence, earning herself a grin from her dark haired companion, "But if you want to seek me out before I return to Archades…come to Nalbina, ask for Artz, and you'll find me."

"I look forward to seeing you again…Artz." He replied his tone practically caressing her name.

"Until next we meet…Vhee." She responded as she walked up to him.

She gave him one final kiss before walking away. She glanced back briefly and he bowed to her, making her giggle. She then turned and rushed over to where she had spotted her frantic friend.


"Let her go!" Vaan shouted breaking through the memory.

The crimson haired mark hunter known as Artz Lanaria stiffened as reality came crashing back into her mind and her heart screamed as the feelings of hurt, betrayal, anger, sorrow, and hatred sliced through her core, making her eyes sting with tears. Her gaze hardened into ice as she glared at the dark haired man she had once called friend.

She pushed away from him with her shackled hands, forcing him to stumble backwards a few steps. One of the soldiers hit her across the right side of her face with his armored hand, sending her to the ground very quickly. He went to grab her to strike her again, but he was stopped by the Lord Consul himself grabbing his wrist.

"Strike her again and it will be your head that will roll." He threatened the promise of death in his voice as he pushed the soldier away.

The brown haired sky pirate and the blonde haired boy helped the ginger to her feet, Balthier touching her cheek briefly and making her wince in pain. The green eyed man glared at the soldier before shooting a dark look towards the elder Solidor. He did not like how the dark haired Archadian was staring at his ginger haired goddess.

The Lord Consul looked honestly upset…more like devastated, but then a pained and sorrowful look of understanding entered the elder Solidor's ocean blue eyes as he signaled for the soldiers to take the prisoners up to the Lowtown.


Vayne watched silently as the ginger haired woman that had claimed his heart so long ago was pushed up the stairs by his soldiers. His heart was aching because for a brief moment, she had looked at him like she had once had…like he was still her Vhee. That moment was shattered by the blonde youth she was with and he saw the fresh betrayal and hurt in her eyes, only for it to be replaced by rage and hatred.

He had seen both sets of eyes before. The first being when they had first met in Archades and every subsequent time after, but the second set, he had seen only once. It was the night that they had crossed paths in the forested hills near Nalbina. That night had started with so much sorrow which became hope, only to end in an explosion of betrayal and rage.

For years, she had known him as Vhee, only to learn his true identity that night as the eldest son of House Solidor and the part he had to play in the invasion of Dalmasca, her beloved homeland.


"I trusted you, I believed in you, I cared for you…" She started tears streaming down her face as she held a sword to his neck.

"Artz…I can explain." He interrupted trying to calm her.

"My husband is dead because of you!" She screamed so much anguish and grief in her voice.


His heart twisted painfully as he ascended the stairs to the Lowtown. She had gotten married during the time they had been apart, her heart claimed by another. He had been caught between two emotions when she had said that; intense sorrow that she had been so deeply wounded and a selfish hope that he could still claim her heart.

How foolish he had been, both then and now. Two years have passed since that night and she still had not forgiven him. Her rage and hatred burned as fiercely now as it did then, perhaps even more so than before. Had he truly lost the only woman that he had ever loved?

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he watched her fall to her hands and knees, coughing violently. Both her brown haired companion and the blonde haired youth were kneeling next to her, trying to help her. It shot another bolt of pain through his heart, knowing that he could never be near her without experiencing her rage.

He watched with worry filled eyes as blood splattered on the ground from her mouth. It took of all his will power to remain completely motionless and not run to her side. She sat back on her legs, wiping the trail of blood that had trickled from her mouth. She assured her friends that she was alright and slowly rose to her feet, her entire body trembling from the effort.

He then spotted something gold hanging around her neck. His eyes widened as he realized what it was…a pocket watch, but not just any watch…a watch of Archadian design. He would recognize it anywhere. His father gave him that watch to commemorate his first election campaign and it had been that watch that had sealed his fate that night two years ago.

Within the watch was an engraving that held his full name and when she discovered that watch and the engraving inside, it had changed everything between them. Why? Why did she still have it? Why would she keep something that had caused her so much pain? Was it a reminder to never trust him again?

He watched as she noticed the watch and quickly wrapped her hand around it, covering it from view. She swiftly returned it to under her shirt, letting out a small sigh of relief when none of the guards noticed her actions. He felt hope flare to life once more as she touched the spot where the watch lay against her skin, a soft look in her eyes.

He pulled out a blue flower, the same kind he had given to her when they first met. Ignoring how his actions would appear to the people and his soldiers, he walked over to her, earning a brief surprised look from her before she stared at him with weariness and caution. He preferred that look instead of the hate filled one.

He held up the flower, making her eyes go wide with shock and recognition flashing briefly through her sapphire orbs. She looked up at him in confusion like she was trying to understand why he was acting the way he was. He picked up her shackled hands, making her glare at him, but he ignored it as he placed the flower into her hands, making her fingers wrap around it.

He then dropped his hands and stepped away. She looked at the flower then at him. This happened two more times before a ghost of smile graced her lips. He walked away, following after the soldiers that were leading the sandy haired woman away. His ocean blue eyes danced with hope, his heart just a touch lighter than before.

Perhaps there was still a chance to claim the heart of the future empress of the Archadian Empire.


Lady Artz: *grins like a mad woman* Boom! Bet you were not expecting that! Ha! Chapter Six: Vhee is over and done with and boy was it surprising! *giggles, a crazy gleam in her eyes* I mean seriously, did anyone expect that…at all?!

Anyways, leave me tons and tons of reviews about this bombshell of a chapter and be on the lookout for Chapter Seven: God Song! Stay tuned!